Eating Outdoors: Everything You Need For An Eco Picnic!

Did anyone watch Top Chef last night? Picnics and barbecues are the food highlights of the summer, whether on your deck, in your back yard, at the park or on the beach. They're a great way to enjoy some of the freshest moments of the season. It's too bad Top Chef used mostly disposables, but we know better — having all the right tools make going on a picnic super easy, so we've made a list of our favorite eco-friendly picnic gear to get you ready for the upcoming holiday weekend.

One of the easy aspects of picnicking are your tools don't necessary need to be fancy, and can take a bit of a beating. Many of these items you probably already have, and can scavenge from your own kitchen rather than buying new. If you can set aside a few of these things and put them in a nice tote, you'll always be ready to go!

Reusable Utensils, Plates & Cups: It's easiest that you choose items that are unbreakable and lightweight because, other than the food, the tableware will be some of the heaviest items you bring.

Basket: You can just as easily use a bag or carrier you already have, or you can splurge for an insulated tote to keep your food cold. Whatever you use should be easy to carry and large enough to hold your gear.